Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
for
A re c an ut, G ing e r, La rg e C a r d am o m,
P as si on F r uit and Pine a p pl e
A re c an ut, G ing e r, La rg e C a r d am o m,
P as si on F r uit and Pine a p pl e
P repared by
V.T. Darlon g
Mary Hmar
Thin greiphi Ng
M. Iboyaima Meitei
Mrinalinee Khanikar
At ul Chakraborty
NERCORMP CONTACT:
Mr. Vincent Darlong
Programme Coordinator and Development Strategist (PCDS)
NERCRMP-IFAD
Sympli Building, First Floor
Near Law College, Malki-Dhankheti
Shillong - 793 001, Meghalaya
Tel: 0364-2500494,2500495-97
Fax: 0364-2500027
E-mail: drvtdarlong2002@yahoo.co.in
Website: www. necorps.org
This document was prepared by NERCORMP under the auspices of the Technical Cooperation
Project on Development of a Technical Capacity Base for the Promotion of Organic
Agriculture in India of the National Centre for Organic Farming (NCOF), Ministry of
Agriculture, Government of India and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the
United Nations.
Disclaimer:
The accuracy of the facts and reporting on which the present study is based is the
responsibility of the author/institution alone and not of the FAO or the Ministry of
Agriculture, Government of India. However, every care has been taken by the authors to
ensure adequate verification.
NORCORMP
(See address above)
Acknowledgements vii
Foreword ix
Arecanut 32
Ginger 55
Large cardamom 74
Passion fruit 87
Pineapple 102
The study team would like to thankfully acknowledge the contribution of their colleagues at
NERCORMP for their support and encouragement during the process of the present study. We
would like to express our gratitude to Mr. K. Moses Chalai, IAS, PCDS; Mr. B.A. Sangma, APC; Mr.
Adrian Marbaniang, MEO; Mr. H.K. Singh, TC; Mr. Bhupal Neog, MC; Mr. T. Jude Xalxo, MCO; Ms.
Golda Saiborne, AAO; Mr. Arduki C. Khyriemmujat, PF; Ms. Yiermeila Zimik, PF; and Ms Oinam
In particular, we would like to acknowledge the contribution and support of our colleagues and
friends from the development support teams (DST) of various districts, viz., Mr. T. Vashum, PM and
Dr. Selim Keishing, PTO from UDCRMS, Ukhrul Manipur; Mr. N. Sukajit, PM; Mr. Mathias Kube,
NRMO; and Mr. Neli Lokho Pfoze, PF from SEDCORMS, Senapati, Manipur; Mr. I. Saikia, PM; Ms.
S. Gohain, PTO; and Mr. Syed Mustain Hussain (Consultant) of NCHCRMS, Haflong, Assam; Mr.
D. Sharma, PM and Dr. Putul Bhuyan, NRMO, KACRMS, Hamrem, Assam; Mr. James Kharkongor,
PM and Mr. B. Saiborne, NRMO, KCRMS, Nongstoin, Meghalaya; Mr. Daniel Ingty, PM and Mr.
The financial support for this study came from FAO India, New Delhi through the facilitation of
Mr. Daniel Gustafson, FAO Representative in India and Mr. Ajay Rastogi, Organic Programme
Coordinator, FAO, New Delhi and is gratefully acknowledged. The constant support and
We received encouraging support and advice from many officers, professionals and scientists from
various government departments, academic and R&D institutions. We are particularly grateful for
the advice, support and encouragement received from Dr. P. Bhattacharyya, Director, National
Centre for Organic Farming, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, Ghaziabad and Dr. V.K. Yadava,
Jt. Director (IPM), Directorate of PPQ&S, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India, Faridabad. We also
gratefully acknowledge the valuable advice and literature support received from officers and scientists
Government of Assam, Dispur; the Departments of Agriculture & Department of Horticulture, Govt.
of Meghalaya, Shillong; the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, Kohima; NEPED,
Govt of Nagaland, Kohima; Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat; Central Agriculture University,
Above all, we would like to acknowledge with profound gratitude the excellent moderation done
by Dr. R.K. Pathak on the original draft of the present study. The present document is the result of
his experienced guidance and we hope it will be useful to all those who seek to benefit from it. We
would like to reiterate that while every effort has been made to document factually from the field,
based on the farmers’s information and experiences largely within the NERCOMP project areas,
however, we would be grateful if any suggestions are shared for further improvement on this
documentation.
And finally, the study team would like to acknowledge the generous support of IFAD, Rome and
Shillong V.T.Darlong
August 12, 2006 Mary Hmar
Thingreiphi Ng
M. Iboyaima Meitei
Mrinalinee Khanikar
Atul Chakraborty
Foreword
The North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project for Upland Areas
(NERCORMP) is a joint initiative of the Government of India (GoI) and the International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations based in Rome. The
North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)
represents the Government of India; the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) at
The overall objective of the project is to improve the livelihood of the vulnerable groups in a
sustainable manner through improved management of their resource base in a way that contributes
to protecting and restoring the environment. The strategy is to foster synergies for optimum
utilisation of the strengths of the government, an international organization, a dedicated project
management and support team, local NGOs and the inherent potentials of the local communities.
NERCORMP was declared effective from February 1999. It operates in the three states of Assam,
Manipur and Meghalaya, covering two districts in each state. These districts are Karbi Anglong and
N.C. Hills in Assam; Senapati and Ukhrul in Manipur; West Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills in
Meghalaya. The project adopts a holistic approach to development, encompassing the following
• Social mobilization, community organization and capacity building to tap, realize and sharpen
the great latent potential of communities employing time-tested traditional value systems of
• Intervene with economic, social and village infrastructure activities with predominant thrust
Over the past seven years, as part of income generating activities as well as transformation
processes of areas under shifting cultivation, the project has promoted and up scaled the cultivation
of varieties of agro-horticultural crops, including arecanut, ginger, large cardamom, passion fruit, and
pineapple, adopting the cluster-approach in production to reach commercial volumes. The farming
practices were generally ‘organic’ following ‘good’ traditional farming conventions without use of
inorganic fertiliser and chemical pesticides. The project is also in the process of securing organic
Organic farming is the basis for producing healthy food crops for healthy living and it is the
natural way of producing food. But due to increase in population, the use of chemical fertilisers
increased manifold in India. Fortunately the use of chemical fertilisers in the hilly areas of the North
Eastern Region remained negligible compared to the plains areas of this region.
There is now worldwide awareness about the ill effects of chemical farming and many farmers are
now willing to convert from chemical to organic farming. With little modifications and
improvements, along with appropriate packages of organic practices, the upland areas of the North
Under the aegis of FAO India and in association with the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of
India, NERCORMP is happy to present this humble volume, ‘Package of Organic Practices for
Arecanut, Ginger, Large Cardamom, Passion Fruit and Pineapple.’ We have selected these crops as
they are not only traditionally grown in the North Eastern Region, but also have great sustainable
economic potential if up scaled with appropriate packages of good farming practices that could
address the livelihood and food security needs of the people of the hilly regions.
This write-up provides information on the background, season, climate, ground preparation, seed
selection, seed treatment, preparation of organic manures and their application, pest and diseases
affecting the crops, the control of diseases with organic measures, harvesting, etc. It also gives
information on post harvest management, biodiversity management, habitat management, etc., for
better farming practice. Above all, the document reflects the rich traditional experiences and
We would like to place on record the sincere and dedicated efforts of our study team led by Dr.
Vincent Darlong, Natural Resource Management & Extension Coordinator, whose untiring efforts
are the results in this compilation. The team has made their best efforts to record and document
farmers’ experiences in farming practices both within and outside our project villages by directly
interacting with the lead farmers themselves. The team also realized the fact that there are great
variations of farming practices even within the region. Obviously, this could be just the beginning of
the long processes of documentation of ‘organic package of practices’ from North Eastern Region for
different crops. The support and contribution of other members of the project both at the PSU and
In particular, we would like to express our gratitude to Dr. R. K. Pathak for his excellent
moderation of the study with valuable inputs. The initial encouragement, coordination and
cooperation received from Mr. Ajay Rastogi of FAO India are also thankfully appreciated. The
support and cooperation received from the various institutions, government departments and the
local communities, which enabled this study to reach its present form is also gratefully
acknowledged. In addition, the generous cooperation received from NEPED, Kohima for
AGR OLOGY OF The North Eastern Region (NER) comprises the states of Assam,
N O RTH E A STE RN
Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram,
RE G I O N
Sikkim and Tripura. This region, which has a total geographical
flora and fauna. The vast areas of hills interspersed with fertile
and mountains, with altitudes ranging from near zero (the plains of
also a mix of warm, tropical and humid in the valleys and lower
Introduction to agrology 13
drainage systems in Assam, while the Teesta is the main drainage
river in Sikkim.
vegetation, crop species and wildlife. About 40% of the total flora
plants, fruit and food producing trees, oilseeds, fodder, bamboo and
Ethnographically, the region is also very rich, with more than 400
large and small tribes and communities living in the region, having
systems.
collectively; (b) land owned by the clans; (c) land owned by the
peculiar land tenure system. Due to it’s varied ecological and geo-
and steep areas (not available for agriculture). In fact, only 7.5% of
the NER is reported as net area sown. The NER accounts for only
very well in the lower altitudes and mid-hill ranges of the region.
Sikkim.
Ma j or c r op s a n d Several crops are grown in the NER, depending upon the system of
cr op p i ng p a t t er n of
farming, food habits and climatic conditions. Cereals form an
t h e N or t h E as t er n
R egi on overwhelming proportion of about 85% of total gross cropped area.
the hill areas, covering about 70% of total cultivated area. Besides
only about 10% of the cultivated area in the plain areas of Tripura,
terminology for hillock) areas of the region, along with food grain
production, areas under cash crop and horticultural crops are also
banana, guava, black pepper, cashew nuts, jack fruit, etc. In the
m), the most common fruits are plums, pears, peaches, apricots,
altitudes, maize and millet are also popular, while cash crops like
Introduction to agrology 15
large cardamom also grow well in these altitudes. Beyond 2000 m
potato.
period of 3–5 years (or more), after which, the cycle is again
land in the hill areas of NER is under shifting cultivation, and about
40% of the forested portions of the hill areas have been affected by
Agr o-c lim a t i c z on e s Based on the data available on various aspects of climate,
topography and soil, and also on the basis of diverse crops and
climatic zones1 :
• Alpine zone
Rocky outcrops are common features of the alpine zone. The soil is
acidic. Depending upon the altitude, the forest types range from
1
Report of the ICAR Research Review Committee for North Eastern Hill Region, National Agricultural Research
Project, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi (1984).
Introduction to agrology 17
physiography and agricultural practices and is best described under
two sub-categories, viz., (i) areas with a temperate climate and (ii)
not persist for long on the ground, but stays on the mountain
peaks. Soils have high humus but are also highly acidic. The
millets, maize, barley, wheat, potato, etc. Common fruits are apple,
On the other hand, the sub-temperate zone does not receive any
covering almost all the states, except Tripura and has a mild
values of 5.0–6.5. The zone has very rich forest species of trees,
herbs and shrubs, and also ferns, orchids and epiphytes. Major crops
grown here are rice, maize, wheat, mustard, castor, soybean, pulses,
pineapple, plums, pears, etc. All types of vegetables are also grown
winters. Paddy is the most important crop here with a fairly well-
crops are pulses and oilseeds. Fruits grown here are mango, lemon,
guava, banana, etc. Arecanut also grows well in this zone. Winter
The mild tropical hill zone falls within the altitudinal range of
southern part of Jaintia hills and northern part of Khasi hills and Ri
and humid here. Soils are sandy loam to clayey loam and acidic in
reaction with high iron content. Most forest species are evergreen
medicinal herbs and shrubs. Rice is the most important field crop,
Maize, millets, wheat, pulses, beans, etc., are also grown. Important
The mild tropical plain zone covers most of the remaining areas
Introduction to agrology 19
200 m. Topographically, this zone has small hillocks called tilla
Jhum is also common here. Paddy is the main crop grown under
both irrigated and rain-fed conditions. Other crops are oilseeds,
fruits are litchi, mango, banana, jackfruit, and lemon. Arecanut and
betel leaf are also widely grown. Cashew nuts, tea, coffee, rubber,
while passion fruits have been growing as one of the home garden
considerations.:
along with existing trees and also has good economic potential.
of the NER, especially in the cultivation of the crops selected for the
present study. Therefore, the present study not only reflects the
in the NER. This policy and patronage has helped to upscale the
e) Since these crops have high potential for rural livelihoods and
Introduction to agrology 21
practices’ together with up-scaling of the ‘organic’ cultivation of
market demand.
O R G AN IC A living soil is the basis of organic farming. A live healthy soil with
A G R ICULTU RE
proper cropping patterns, crop residue management and effective
production of food and fibres. These systems take local soil fertility
prepared from cow dung, cow urine mixed with certain organic
mineral grade rock phosphate and lime can also be used through
10 ber bushes, 1–2 aonla, 1–2 drumstick and 10–15 wild bushes.
These trees and bushes not only ensure nutrients from the air
and from deep soil layers but also add diversity to the nutrients and
Conv er t ing s oi l t o For effective results, the process of converting a field to organic
organ i c:
should start with the kharif season. With the first monsoon
Kharif s e as on
showers, plough the field lightly and apply 4–5 quintals of
each of azotobacter and PSB per ha and mix well with soil. Apply
500 litres of amrut pani or jeevamrut per hectare area. This can be
cowpea, soybean (120 days) and pigeon pea (160 days). After every
along with irrigation or sprinkle over the wet surface after the rains.
Moong will mature in 60 days. Harvest the pods and use moong
residue as mulch around the pigeon pea plants. This mulching will
formation stage.
spread the residue in the empty spaces. This can provide about 12–
15 quintals of green leaves. Allow the pigeon pea to shed all the
leaves in the field and cut the bushes for harvesting. Spray sufficient
quantity of jeevamrut over the crop residue and mix with the soil.
green gram or lentil), there is no need to add any other manure, but
facilities are not available). After the harvest, remove only the grain
and leave the residue in the field as mulch to protect the soil from
crop. In this way, by the next rainy season, the soil is ready for
regular crops.
management.
for some legume crops such as moong or cowpea) and the field
F i e ld p r e p ar a t i on Spread the crop residue over the soil and sprinkle 500 litres
beneficial.
the plains and lower altitude areas of the NER, besides Gliricidia,
other plants that can be grown are sajna or drum stick (Moringa
dose has been found to be highly effective. The seed may also be
traditionally treat the paddy and other seeds with a mixture of ash
and mature forest soil before sowing in the jhum fields, which is
Kharif
• Maize/millets, pigeon pea, moong/cowpea
R abi
• Wheat, mustard, gram
winter months are severe. Hence, most crops are grown during the
Meghalaya are:
plots or plant these crops in small plots in the same area rather than
are as follows:
height of the organic crop and the width of the buffer should be
agate (Sesban) can be grown as the buffer crop. The crops from the
processing.
Pa ckaging For packing, recyclable and reusable materials like clean jute bags
Cert ifi c a t i on pr oc ess Certification of organic farms is required to satisfy consumers that
for organic agriculture are being fully met by the farm and that the
consumers.
certification activity.
The tannins in arecanut are being used for dyeing clothes, ropes
and for tanning leather. Plastic, hard board and craft paper of
satisfactory strength can be made from its husk. The leaf sheath is a
hard dried endosperm of ripe and unripe seed called the ‘nut’ is
betel vine (Piper betel) to which a dab of slaked lime is added and
chew the ‘pan’ slowly. The chewing causes continuous salivation and
the saliva turns bright red, hence ‘the bloody gouts’ that spatter
their decay, but blackens them and eventually grinds them down.
Gr ow i ng s e as on The best months for planting arecanut are during the pre-monsoon
period of May –June with the onset of the monsoon. It can also be
Crop d u r a t i on Under the best conditions, arecanut palms will flower in four years.
plantations are as old as 30 years or more. The time taken from full
raised in nurseries.
been that fruit crops such as papaya, coconut, mango, citrus and
fertility and productivity. In fact, these fruit trees provide shade and
enhance the moisture retention capacity of the soil. The fruit trees
also attract insects which in turn act as pollinators for the arecanut
palm.
foothills of the east Khasi hills (Dawki and adjoining areas) and
and Sreemangala , though there are also known cultivars from the
from Indonesia. The palm is tall and partially drooping. Under ideal
an average yield of 17.25 kg of ripe nuts, per palm, per year, at the
age of 10 years.
average yield of 15.63 kg per palm per year. The ripe nuts are
S EE D There are a few local varieties known by the name of the place
grown in Assam that is also suitable for the other NER. The Central
S e le c t i on of m ot h er p a lm
bearing and percent nut-set have been found to correlate with yield
S e le c t i on From the selected mother palms, only fully ripe, medium-sized nuts
Arecanut 35
undersized, malformed or from the tips of bunches should be
avoided for seed purposes. About 25% of the nuts in a bunch are
leaf sheaths or by growing tall and quick growing shade trees such as
Nurser y p r e p ar a t i on t e c hn i q u e
Primar y n urser y
Nursery beds of 90 cm width and of convenient length are prepared
garden soil, leaf mould and FYM (well decomposed). The selected
seed nuts are sown immediately after harvest and up to 80 days after
stalk ends pointing upwards. Sand is spread over the nuts just to
to the secondary nursery when they are about three months old. At
this stage, the sprouts might have produced two to three leaves.
S ec on d ar y n urser y
Secondary nursery beds of 150 cm width and of convenient length
irrigate them during the dry months. Weeding and mulching should
(25 x 15 cm size, 150 gauge) after filling the bags with potting
S e le c t i on of s e e d lings Seedlings are generally ready for transplanting when they are 12 – 18
months old. For planting, lanky and dwarf seedlings are rejected.
the ball of earth carefully and without injuring the roots, to enable
Arecanut 37
Mai n f i e ld p r e p ar a t i on Before the onset of monsoon, pits of 90 x 90 x 90 cm are dug and
the pits are filled with a mixture of topsoil, powdered cow dung and
planted in the centre of the pit, covered with soil to the collar level
MAN A G IN G S O I L Growing of green manure crops at the onset of monsoon will help
FE RT I L IT Y
suppress weed growth, prevent soil erosion and add large quantities
the green matter may be cut and applied to the arecanut palms. In
as mulch.
age of the plant, a full dose of green leaf and compost or cattle
manure should be applied from the first year of planting itself. The
the base of each plant after weeding and mixed with the soil by light
months.
for watering the plants during the dry season. The practice is more
Q u a li t y
practices, if any.
Conserv a t i on t e c hn i q u e
potato, ginger and turmeric. Nutmeg and clove can be also grown in
Arecanut 39
Crop p r o t e c t i on We e ds
A nim a l gr a z ing
F ir e
Mi t es: R e d m i t es found in arecanut gardens all over the country. Mites are of two
( R a oi e lla i n d i ca ) a n d
types – red and white – and they attack both seedlings and older
Whi t e m i t es
( O l i gon ych us i n d i cus ) plants. The under surface of the leaf infested by white mites looks as
web in which the eggs are fastened. Red mites do not have such
webs. The mites feed by sucking the sap of the leaf and gradually
small areas of yellow patches appear on the leaf, which indicate the
presence of these pests. These patches spread and finally the entire
leaf dries up. Mites are most active in the dry season but their
monsoon.
Man agem en t
live inside the top most leaf axil at the base of the spindle which
sucks the sap from the tender spindles. As a result, the spindle does
not attain normal size. The affected leaves show numerous linear,
Man agem en t
effective.
Arecanut 41
I nflor es c en c e This pest causes damage directly to the inflorescence. The adult
c a t e r pi l la r ( T ir at h aba
moths lay eggs in the holes made on the spathe by slugs and earwigs.
mun d ella )
On hatching, the caterpillars get entry into the inflorescence
through these holes and feed on the flowers inside, and clump the
inflorescence into a wet mass of truss with the silky threads woven
by them, and shelter therein. A trained eye can easily locate the
open and the punctures made by the slugs at their bases indicate the
Man agem en t
• Affected spadices are to be forced open and slugs and snails have
R o o t gr u bs Grubs are major pests in nurseries and old plantations. They are the
( L euc op h oli s
larvae of black beetles, which affect older palms and reduce their
lep i d op h or a )
vitality and yield. Grubs are known to attack and feed on the roots
of arecanut palms. They eat away all the young roots and the stem
at the collar, causing the death of the seedlings. They also attack
older trees due to which the leaves turn to a sickly pale yellow
Man agem en t
Pen t a t omi d b u g In recent years, the arecanut crop has been affected by an unknown
( Haly om or ph a
malady, which causes tender nuts to droop. These nuts when
marm or ea )
carefully examined show one or more pinprick-like marks on their
surface. When cut open, the tender edible kernel shows brown
adults are bronze-coloured with brown spots and are about 1.75 cm
long. At the young stage, they are black with white spots on the
legs. Both the adult and young bugs suck the sap from the
yields.
Drooping is severe during June, July and August, the time of the
kitchen gardens report that the bugs readily migrate to this crop
Man agem en t
for detecting the bug at its young stage. When noticed, the insects
DISEA SES The infection and spread of this disease is related directly to the
Fr u i t r o t or k ole r oga incidence of heavy rainfall. The disease first makes its appearance
or m ah a li
just after the first monsoon showers and extends its stay throughout
( Ph yt op h t h or a ar ecae ):
the monsoon period. A warm damp interval is always very helpful
Arecanut 43
unchecked will extend to the crown of the plant ultimately bringing
soaked areas or rotting tissue at the base of the nuts. The nuts
darken and the patches enlarge and they begin to drop in large
numbers. These fallen nuts soon develop a whitish mass all over. If
unchecked, the disease may later invade the crown causing the
leaves and bunches to die within one or two seasons. The disease is
Man agem en t
families. The first visible symptoms of the disease are the yellowing
of the crown and the dropping of the older leaves. Within three to
four months the entire crown dries up. The disease usually affects
the roots and the base of the palm. The affected roots begin to rot
and become soft or brittle. Brown patches appear all round the base
odour. The crown turns yellow and dries up. The healthy palms
outgrowths that are fructifications of the fungus grow out all around
disease, that is, yellowing and drying up of the crown, the disease is
Man agem en t
dug up along with roots and removed from the garden and
destroyed.
formed young leaves grow shorter and their lamina show unequal
leaves are also observed. Naturally, the nuts are also reduced in size,
destroyed. In advanced stages, the stem breaks off at the top. Roots,
uniform and appears in patches, which later may expand and form
necrosis.
nutrients.
Arecanut 45
Man agem en t
be adopted.
moisture.
monsoon season.
B u d r o t ( Ph yt op h t h or a The infection from this disease starts at the crown and on the
p alm iv or a )
leaves, and spreads gradually to the tissues ultimately killing the
spindle, and spreads inwards. The tender central leaves are affected
and begin to rot and the disease slowly spreads into the central core
resulting in the rotting of the growing bud and death of the plant.
Man agem en t
Man agem en t
and (b) red ants, which are predators of the inflorescence caterpillar
(Tirathaba mundella).
PHY S I O L O G IC AL Protection of the arecanut stem from the hot afternoon sun in
DIS ORDER S
summer is important. Otherwise, due to the scorching effect of the
S u n -s c or ch or s t e m
sun, cracks appear which gradually enlarge into large splits. These
br e aking
cracks and splits are always found on the exposed western side of
the palms. Since these splits weaken the stem, it breaks at these
split areca leaves or areca leaf sheaths over the exposed area of the
almost all gardens, at least one tree or two will exhibit ‘nut splitting’
does not keep pace with the development of the kernel inside and
this causes the splitting up of the pericarp at the distal end. The
kernel after splitting renders the nuts useless. This has been found
Arecanut 47
very healthy palms. Hence, checking excess flow either by making
some deep wound at the base of the spadix with a sharp knife, or
just jerking down the spadix and thus jamming the cells at the base
when the nuts are half grown, prevents splitting. Excessive nutrition
PO ST HA R V E ST The bunch is harvested when the nuts are fully ripe. The end use is
MAN A GEMENT
chali or kotapak (dried ripe nuts), commonly known as supari (in
Harves t i ng
Assam), kwai (in the Khasi hills) and kuva (in Mizoram). About 6 –
7 months old nuts, which are dark green and soft, are harvested to
palms – can harvest up to 100 palms at a stretch (in areas where the
using rope or gunny bags. Ladders are also used for harvesting
individual palms.
Cle an ing Cleaning of harvested nuts is usually done manually. The dirt, stalk
end and other unwanted materials are removed by hand and the
nuts are then rinsed or washed with plain water, after which they
prepared for the market. The most popular trade type of arecanut is
the dried nut known as chali or kotapak . Fully ripe nuts – about 8 –
9 months old fruits having yellow to orange red colour – are best
suited for the above purpose. Ripe fruits are dried in the sun for 35
are sometimes cut longitudinally into two halves and sun dried for
about 10 days, after which the kernels are scooped out and given a
final drying.
be best grade and they fetch a good price. Good grade nuts are
months maturity, with a dark green colour, are dehusked, cut into
S t or age ins e c t s Storage pests can be avoided by good management practices. Pest
storage areas. The general practice is to store the nuts in gunny bags
dampness.
Fermented nuts fetch a good market price and people prefer these
fresh/raw ones.
Arecanut 49
5 ft is also prepared. In the Khasi hills, fermentation is also done in
the brim with a constant source of water. Nuts of good sizes, orange
red colour and fully mature are selected and filled in a bamboo
process takes place over three to four months. Only an expert can
visually judge when the nuts are fully fermented. The complete
Finally, these nuts are again graded and packed in the gunny bags
covering. A curved blade with a sharp pointed tip fixed at the other
advantage of this device is that any unskilled person can operate it.
Ar e c an u t p r od u c t s Chali or ko t ap ak
These are nuts that are dried for 35 to 40 days and then dehusked.
The features of a good chali are: (a) There should not be any
immature nut; (b) they should be free from any surface cracking; and
Kali or kali p ak
This is a processed arecanut, common in Kerala and Karnataka.
Here 6 – 7 months old nuts are used for the preparation of kali. Soft,
tender, green but mature nuts are harvested and dehusked. Then
they are cut into pieces of different sizes and boiled in water. On
boiling, the water turns into a reddish brown liquid called kali,
which has a glossy appearance and has better storage life once it is
Scented supari
Both kalipak and chali are used for this preparation. Dried
flavouring mixture. The flavour of the supari varies with region and
The h usk
that prevents easy rotting of the husk. The husk is chiefly used as a
The outer whorl of the spathe is used for packing purposes. Also,
some other fancy items like caps, meal plates and cups are prepared
out of it.
Trunk
The hardness of the stem and the golden colour it gives to the
made from it. They are very strong and long-lasting. Stationery
paper baskets made out of the trunk of arecanut trees quickly find a
ready market. From its strong wood, items like baton sticks,
walking sticks, ladle handles and plough shafts, as well as stools and
used whole, they make good fence posts. Covered with a coating of
O R G AN IC A R ECANUT Stone Rynniaw, aged about 38, from Upper Nongkyndang village in
CULTI V AT I O N
West Khasi district of Meghalaya, is a successful arecanut cultivator.
Case s t u d y
He started arecanut cultivation about ten years ago in 1995 – 96,
though he up scaled his plantation only about six years ago. Today
here is known as Garo kwai , as the original seedlings came from the
grass is used for mulching around the plants, which also suppresses
garden. He has not encountered any serious pests and diseases in his
year (February –March for green nuts and May –June when the nut
(sickle tied on the tip of a long bamboo pole). Each arecanut tree
300. All his arecanuts are sold to local traders who come from the
arecanut garden. Each mature sapling (about three years old) costs
F U RTHER R E A D I NG S Bose, T.K., Sadhu, M.K., Das, P., Sayal, D. & Parthasarathy, V.A.
Arecanut 53
IN S T ITUT I O N S Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasargod, Kerala,
IN V O L V E D I N
India.
PR O M OT IN G
RE S E A RCH, Directorate of Cocoa, Arecanut and Spices Development, Kerala,
TR A IN I NG A ND
D OCUMENTAT I O N India.
F O R THE C R O P Regional Research Station of the Central Plantation Crops Research
produces and exports value added ginger products like ginger oil
raw ginger, dry ginger, bleached ginger, ginger powder, ginger oil,
ginger oleoresin, ginger ale, candy, beer and wine, squash, ginger
and West Bengal are important ginger growing states within the
minimum use of agro chemicals in the NER, organic ginger and its
Ginger 55
value added products have immense potential for economic
exploitation.
Clima t e Ginger is a tropical crop and is cultivated from sea level to altitudes
Gr ow i ng s e as on The planting season for ginger is from March– April, with the onset
of the monsoon.
S oi l A rich soil with good drainage and aeration is ideal for ginger
Crop p ing s ys t em a n d Different types of cropping systems are followed for ginger
p a t t e rn
cultivation in the region. Generally farmers prefer mono cropping of
ginger in NER are both annuals and perennials, which include chili
or mixed crop provided all the other crops are grown following
infected by pests and disease, and can be stored for a longer period
Ginger 57
(maximum for one week) as compared to high yielding varieties
growers. Besides these, most of the states have their own local or
The seed quantity required varies from region to region and with
sun for only a day. Rhizome sets should be treated with cow dung
and being thus exposed to the sun for a period of 20 – 30 days. The
between rows. Seed rhizomes may be put in shallow pits and mixed
the main field. Seed rhizomes are planted randomly in shallow pits
between the rhizomes that are covered with soil (1 – 1½ inches) and
are mixed and broadcast in the ginger planted field in Assam and
between the furrows of the ginger crop. The crops most commonly
rotated with ginger in Kerala are tapioca, chili, rice, ragi, groundnut
After site selection, the jungle is cut and burnt during the
debris is removed from the field. The rhizomes are then planted
after a few days. The planting techniques vary from state to state in
depth of 7 – 10 cm.
MAN A G IN G S O I L Mulching the ginger beds with green leaves is an essential operation
FE RT I L IT Y
to enhance germination of seed rhizomes and prevent the soil from
washing off due to heavy rains. It also helps to add organic mater to
the soil and conserve moisture during the later part of the cropping
season.
Use of Lantana camara and Vitex negundo as mulch may reduce the
a good market demand. Some farmers use wood ash in the field as
2 t/ ha is desirable.
R e q u ir em en t
The first mulching is done at the time of planting with 12.5 tonnes
of green leaves/ha and the second is done after 40 days with five
Conserv a t i on t e c hn i q u es
stagnant water. Seasonal legumes are also grown along with ginger
fertility.
Ginger 61
PR O B L EM I N S ECTS Shoot borer, leaf roller and rhizome scales are the major pests that
AND D I S E A S E S
infest ginger. Soft rot, bacterial wilt and leaf spot are the major
S h o o t b or e r Life c yc le d es cr i p t i on
( C on oget h es
The moths lay eggs on leaves and other soft parts of the plant. The
p un ct i ferali s / D i crh osis
p un ct i ferali s ) eggs hatch in about a week. The larvae pass through 4 – 5 instars
and are full fledged in 2 – 3 weeks. Pupation takes place inside the
seed or sometimes in the grass that collects after feeding. The pupal
Marks of i d e n t ifi c a t i on
reddish brown with black blotches all over the body and a pale
Shoot borer (Conogethes
stripe on the lateral side. The moths are orange yellow, with black
punctiferalis) in
ginger plant markings on both wings.
Ec on om i c t hr esh old l e v e l
Man agem en t
The shoots infested by the borer are cut open and the caterpillars
are handpicked and destroyed. Some farmers grow neem trees along
solarisation are good practices that can reduce the chances of insect
the time of tilling and are foraged by the birds. Light traps are
Ginger 63
DISEA SES Soft rot is caused by Pythium aphanidermatum and Pythium
S oft r o t or r hi z om e r o t myriotylum.
Life c yc le
rhizomes. Soft rot fungi are soil dwellers and can live with soil
above 30°C and high soil moisture are the important predisposing
S ym p t oms a n d d a m age p a t t e rn
In the beginning, the leaves of the infected plants turn pale green.
Hence the leaf margins turn yellow while the centre remains green
for a few days. After the leaves are completely yellowed, withered
and dry, the dead area extends towards the leaf sheath. The dead
leaves droop and hang down on the stem till the whole shoot dries.
The junction of the plant and rhizomes on the soil surface turns
soft. Such infected plants do not fall to the ground, but the shoot
can be easily pulled out. Soft rot extends to the rhizomes from the
decaying mass enclosed by the tough rind. Soft and rotten roots are
solanacearum.
Life c yc le
equipment, nematodes and insects. They can also enter through the
reach the xylem vessels and through them spread throughout the
Bacterial wilt by Ralstonia
plant. Along the vessels they escape into the intercellular spaces of
the parenchyma cells in the cortex and pith, damage the cell walls,
S ym p t oms
Dam age p a t t er n
plant.
Ginger 65
Man agem en t
A nim a l a n d r od e n t In some areas, rodents damage the ginger crop by making holes in
p es t s
the ginger fields. Sometimes, monkeys, buffaloes, wild boar and
Man agem en t
the overall healthy growth of the crop and result in higher yield.
Natural predator insects and animals feed on the shoot borer, thus
leaves turn yellow and start drying up gradually. Clumps are lifted
from dried leaves, roots and adhering soil. The harvested mother
ginger also increases (one bunch of ginger may weigh 300 – 400 gm
after three years). During the dry season the weight of ginger is
with a small shower of rain, the weight increases. The average yield
Cle an ing Cleaning of harvested ginger is usually done by hand. After the soil
harvested ginger is kept in the sun for drying from a few hours to a
Drying Generally the farmers of the northeastern region keep the harvested
for sale.
Pa ckaging Cleaned or dried ginger is kept in gunny bags. In hill areas, many of
the farmers also carry the ginger in baskets or store the ginger in
within a short span of time (one week). In Meghalaya and the hill
sand in between. Dry leaves or green leaves are used to protect the
Ginger 67
The rhizomes to be used as seed material should be preserved
when the crop is 6 – 8 months old and still green. Seed rhizomes are
stored in pits of convenient size made inside the shed and protected
from the sun and rain. The walls of the pits may be coated with
cow dung paste. Seed rhizomes are stored in layers along with well-
dried sand/saw dust. Sufficient gap is to be left at the top of the pits
for adequate aeration. The pits need inspection once in twenty days
the rhizomes are loosely heaped over a layer of sand or paddy husk
care taken is that the storage area should not be damp or wet.
school due to poverty. They could manage just one meal a day. In
ginger and planted it on one acre of land. The site, selected during
January, was a sloping jhum land with loamy soil. After the site was
chosen, the shrubs and weeds were cleared and left for three weeks
to dry. The dried weeds were burned during the same month.
During the month of February, the burned debris was mixed with
the soil by hoeing. Mulching was adopted for soil and water
sowed the rhizomes (Nadia variety) along with arhar. At the border
of the field, sajana was planted which acted as fencing plus for
days (for one acre of land). Ginger was harvested during the month
free from pest and disease, was selected for seed purpose. The
farmer did not practise any seed treatment. After harvesting, the
seed was spread in the sun for removing soil particles. After a week
for shoot borer, leaf spot and soft rot of rhizome. In the first year,
Rs.12 per kg. He kept 300 kg for seed and earned a profit of
Ginger 69
Rs.30,000. The next year (2004), he was able to send two of his
300 kg of ginger and harvested 3000 kg and sold it for Rs.13 per kg
Lis t of f orm a lly a n d There are five state-level primary markets that are selected by the
inf orm a lly c e r t if i e d
Department of Agriculture in N. C. Hills, Assam. These are:
marke ts
Haflong, Mahur, Maibong, Langting and Harangajao. Besides these,
Cons tr a in t s The NER, as a whole, produces a large quantity of ginger, yet the
Ginger 71
generally transported to different parts of the country in fresh,
New Delhi.
Meghalaya.
Ginger 73
LAR GE CAR DAMOM
grows from the plant base at ground level bears the seedpod. The
flowers are green with a white-purple vein tip. The crop grows well
S p i c e d e s cri p t i on Cardamom comes from the seed of a plant that is similar to ginger.
the cultivar. The pods are roughly triangular in cross section and
oval or oblate. The dried surface is rough and furrowed with deep
wrinkles. Pods are available whole or split, and the seeds are sold
betel pan. It acts as a flavour for Arab and Turkish coffee, which is
Me d i cin a l p r op e r t i es
an aphrodisiac.
with the onset of the monsoon. Under best conditions, the crops
thus affecting the flowers and resulting in poor capsule setting and
barren spikes.
Typ e of s oi l
phosphorus and potash, and with 4.5 to 6.0 pH are best suited.
Usually the soil is rich in organic matter and nitrogen as the plants
that such plantation sites also become good habitats for wild
I n t e r-c u l t u r a l The calendar for inter-cultural operations for good and productive
op e r a t i ons
large cardamom plantations has been prepared as follows:
MON T H A C T I VI T IES
January Remove infected plants
Water at 15 days interval if dry conditions
February prevail; water can be sourced from upstream
through natural gradient in hill. Provide mulch.
Clear leaf litter to facilitate flowering and
March–April fruiting.
Do weeding
Plant healthy disease-free suckers and replace
May–June
old plants
July Complete planting of suckers; check for pest
infestation; weeding
Remove diseased plants and destroy; best options
August are deep burial or burning.
Adopt rodent control measures like clearing of
the surroundings; weeding
September– Harvest the ripe fruits.
October Dry/cure cleaned capsules
Complete post harvest activities (drying and
November packing).
Remove old stumps, infested plants and destroy.
Undertake activities like mulching and repairing
December
of raisers.
Im pr ov e d s e le c t i on of c u l t iv ars
Large cardamom 77
O rga ni c p r od u c t i on Large cardamom is cultivated in forested areas that are thinned
the most common and preferred shade tree for the crop in the
small and yellowish in colour, while the colour of the raw capsule
is maroon.
in shape.
seedlings with the added advantage that viral diseases are not
yielding plants. The plant grows best in forest loamy soil, with
from the bottom and middle portion of the spikes are selected for
Department).
S e e d t r e a t m en t After de-husking, the seeds are mixed with sand and rubbed with
the hand. Then they are washed in water to remove the mucilage
mixed with wood ash for 30 minutes, dried in the shade and sown
acclimatized seeds.
Primar y n urs er y
about 30 cm and left for three to four weeks for weathering. Well-
decomposed cattle manure is mixed with the soil and the surface
Large cardamom 79
bed is sown in lines across the bed at a distance of 10 cm and the
done at regular intervals to keep the surface of the bed moist. The
removed carefully. The inter space between the rows is then re-
grass or agro shade nets. When the seedlings attain 3 – 4 leaf stage,
Seedlings are then planted in April and May and watered regularly.
S e c on d ar y n urs er y
with the soil and smoothed out evenly. Seedlings with 3 – 4 leaves
bamboo, thatch grass, etc.) are erected for providing shade. The
alder trees are grown, to get a natural shade for nursery beds, so
that they need not erect shade pandals or water the beds.
viral diseases are not transmitted through the suckers. The site for
soil and the trenches are filled to the brim for planting the suckers
Mai n fi e ld p r e p ar a t i on The land selected for planting is cleared of all undergrowth for new
plantations and if the land has been used earlier for large
cardamom, all the old plants should be removed. Pits having a size
onset of monsoon showers. If the crops are planted too close, the
leaves – instead of branching out – will stand erect and little space
will be left for the capsule to develop to full size. The pits are left
Large cardamom 81
rich in organic matter or cultivate under alder trees. The leaves
Further, plantation sites are mostly at the base of hills where the
weed growth in the initial three years. Weeding can be done either
growth. From around the base, the weeds can be pulled out by
hand and the weeds in the inter space need only be slashed with
sickle.
materials can be used as mulch around the base of the plant which
will help conserve moisture in the ensuing dry months, cover the
exposed roots and prevent weed growth around the plant base.
from the under surface and finally defoliates the leaves completely
This is because some trees harbor the pest which falls onto the leaf
Chirke / Chirkey tender leaves with pale streaks that slowly turn brown, resulting in
the plants withering away. Growth and yield of the affected plants
transmitted by aphids.
Large cardamom 83
It is also spread by planting infected suckers. Often the knife
used for harvesting and cutting the suckers itself transmits the
disease.
Foorkey Numerous small tillers appear at the base of the affected plants,
which become stunted and fail to give any yield. Inflorescence also
disease, remove and burn affected plants, the farmer can minimise
losses.
F ir e Crop damage due to forest fire is rare, but since shifting cultivation
community.
The harvested spikes are heaped and the capsules separated and
a wire mesh for cleaning and for removal of the tail. Traditionally,
the cardamom capsule turns dark brown or black and has a smoky
smell.
Kohima.
Large cardamom 85
IN S T ITUT I O N ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Barapani
ENG AGE D I N
793103, Meghalaya.
RE S E A RCH AN D
E XTEN S I O N Spices Development Board, Kerala.
large deep lobes when mature, having finely toothed margins. The
foliage leaves are deep green and glossy above, paler and dull
structure and are born at each node on the new growth, white in
colour but often tinted with purple and are self-compatible. Just
above the flower stalk are three large green leafy bracts called
berry fruit is nearly round or slightly oval, about the size of a hen’s
egg. The shell is hard and smooth, green at first, ripening to deep
purple and finally crinkling when fully mature. The tough rind is
This fruit vine grows best in light sandy loams and sandy clay
above MSL.
S oi l No formal soil testing has been done for this crop in most
northeastern states.
Passion fruit 87
Passion fruit, however, grows well in most hill areas of the
region which have rich forest loamy soil, good drainage and are
Crop d u r a t i on Usually the seeds are sown in the nursery beds between January
growers. Most common crops grown are, however, the green leafy
chilies, peas are also commonly cultivated along with passion fruit.
few sparsely distributed standing trees (but not with very thick
crown) are also maintained, which can also act as wind breaks in
of honey bees, which also act as pollinators for the passion fruit
predators.
edulis Sims) and yellow (P. edulis var. flavicarpa). The purple
variety is grown in most parts of Northeast India particularly in
L oc a l u s es
flatulence, etc., and as a liver tonic. The juice extracted from the
fresh fruit is mixed with sugar and added to hot boiling water as a
etc. The fruit covers (shells) are either placed as manure at the
base of the plants or they are locally cooked with other vegetables
as pig meal.
S EE D The seeds collected from the healthy, fully mature fruits, borne
common salt. Those seeds that settle down in the solution are
one kilo of cow dung, one litre of cow urine, one litre of water and
100 gm of cow ghee for ten minutes. Thereafter, the seeds are
dried in the shade for 6 – 10 hours. Seeds treated in this way are
then sown directly in the nursery beds during February to July and
Passion fruit 89
(i) Early sprouting
the market are used as the source of seeds for planting material.
Manipur.
V e ge t a t i v e pr op a ga t i on Passion fruit vines are usually grown from seeds. However, they
days. However, in the NER, most farmers raise nurseries from the
Graf t i ng
Plan t a t i on
Seedlings are transplanted from the nursery bed to the main field
plant to plant and row to row. Planting is done in the already well
prepared pits. The vines are set out depending upon the
damages the vines but makes it more difficult to train the vines on
Train ing
Passion fruit 91
Tre llis
and tree branches are hung on the wires of the trellis and also
erected along the trellis in between two posts. This gives support
Prun ing
the field, as they serve as live posts for the trellis. Circular pits,
rows. The top soil of the dug pit is mixed with well decomposed
then sprayed on the crop. About 200 to 250 litres of the mixture
Mu lc hi ng
Mulching should be done in between the rows for soil, water and
of alder branches.
Gre en m an ur ing
Comp os t
Compost prepared from weeds and other organic waste like vermi/
WATE R Regular watering will keep the vine flowering and fruiting almost
RE Q U I R EMENT S
continuously, particularly during the dry season. Water
otherwise the fruits may shrivel and fall prematurely. However, the
Passion fruit 93
with very good annual rainfall and hence irrigation is not practised
cover crops such as ginger, chili, soybean, peas, etc., are practised
Use of bi oc i d e s
the plant around the root zones also provides sufficient nutrients
the fertility of the soil as cow dung and other biocompost are not
PR O B L EM I N S ECTS Aphids are reported to be the major pests of passion fruits. The
AND D I S E A S E
species of aphids that attack passion fruit plants are Myzus
A p hi ds
persicae, Aphis spiraecola, A. gossyppi and A. craccivora . Reduced
plant vigour, stunted growth and deformed plants are common
Life c yc le
cycle, many species have very complex life histories that involve
sexual reproduction but also a switch in the host plant. The spring
and summer asexual forms live on one host plant to lay fertilised
eggs that will survive adverse winter conditions. In spring, the eggs
hatch and the aphids migrate onto their summer host when it
maturity for most aphids is five to six days. Other important insect
pests that attack passion fruit plants are mealy bugs, thrips,
nematodes, etc.
Man agem en t
of the insect pests has reached the economic threshold level. For
Passion fruit 95
control of insect pest (aphid) infestations are as follows:
• Oil spray: mix one teaspoon of liquid soap with one cup of
• Vinegar spray: mix one part vinegar with three parts water
stand for two days and then strain the mixture through a
Fr u i t f ly ( B ac t r ocer a Known as the Malaysian fly, this fruit fly is native to south Asia.
lat i fr ons )
Bactrocera latifrons is a group of insects that usually puncture the
immature passion fruit while the rind is still tender, causing fruit
distortion and shrivelling. Fruit flies are often present at low levels,
management is required.
Life c yc le
The fruit fly generally has a low population level and patchy
cucurbitaceae.
rodent pests (Rattus sp., Bandicota sp., etc.), squirrels and birds.
Root rot
F us ar i um w i l t
Passion fruit 97
The disease starts with the wilting of the shoots followed by a
rot and root rot. These diseases are difficult to control because the
burning wood at the sites where the seed beds are located. Major
Pos t -h arv es t d i s e as es Normally, post-harvest problems are minor. However the most
Life c yc le d es cr i p t i on
both the species. Here the male gamete unites with the oosphere,
i.e., the egg and forms the zygote which, after undergoing a rest
Passi on fr u i t m o t t le v i r us
Green and yellow mottle, leaf deformation and crinkling are the
Cuc um ber m os ai c v ir us
mottle virus.
Passi on fr u i t r ing s p o t v ir us
Phys i o l ogi c a l d is or d ers Shrivel, pulp, fermentation and fungal attacks are the major post-
the fruits are washed and dried and placed in bags. The fruit can
Passion fruit 99
S u c c e ssf u l i n i t i a t i v es of p a ssi on fr ui t c u l t iv a t i on i n t h e
NER
Kajung has chosen gentle sloping land with good soil for his
inspects his farm very frequently for signs of any pest or disease. He
Meghalaya.
and Mizoram.
countries. Fresh fruit is used for table purpose and also for making
jams, jellies, etc. Because the climate in most parts of our country
the top portion of the stem. Fruit development in the first crop
takes place from the main stem whereas in the second (ratoon)
crop, it is from one or two branches from the main stem. The fruit
range of rainfall.
S oi l The plants grow well in most types of soil, except very heavy clay
valley of Assam.
pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, sesame, etc. Pineapple is also
grown along with forest trees as part of the agro forestry cropping
Pineapple 103
for intercropping with crops like orange, lemon, pigeon pea,
ginger, etc.
Ke w
Queen
The plants are smaller and the leaves possess thorns on the
Ma uri t i u s
Smaller than the Kew and bigger than the Queen. The fruit
contains more acidity and is less sweet. The average weight of the
fruit is 1.5 to 2.5 kg. It is generally not used for canning and is a
mid-season variety.
Jald h u p a n d L akha t
Gi an t K e w
Synonymous with the Kew, except that the size of the plant and
treated suckers are used for planting, they will result in healthy
Cult u r a l a n d p h ys i c a l Pre p ar a t i on of la n d
me t h od s
An area with 30 – 40% slope is generally selected for pineapple
they may be added to the pits dug for pineapple plantation. The
rows are made using a bamboo across the slope, which helps in
soil and water conservation. In most hill areas of the NER, the
fields are not ploughed but uniform rows are demarcated either
across the slopes or along the slopes where the suckers are planted
Plan t i ng
grow and develop. Care should be taken to see that the bud or
heart of the sucker does not get buried. A single or double row
Pineapple 105
system of planting is followed. The suckers are planted in about
S p a c i ng
Plan t i ng t im e
The best time for planting of pineapple suckers is during the rainy
in the main field. Most farmers in the region plant without giving
remain on the same site for 4 – 5 years after which the old plants
least to maintain its fertility and the biological activity within it.
basal dressing. The green leaf and compost or cattle manure may
be broadcast around the plant after weeding and mixed with soil
keeps the area clean. The uprooted weeds are either used for
Pineapple 107
Growing green manure crops/cover crops/green legume crops
and mulching with weed slashings and leaf litter, etc., also
Conserv a t i on t e c hn i q u es
erosion and to add organic matter to the soil. Cover crops like
PR O B L EM I N S ECTS The mealy bug is the most widely distributed and probably also
bugs have ahead left the infected plants and moved on to nearby
O t h er p e s t s Other pests that appear sporadically in eastern India are the stem
bromeliae). Minor pests include the fruit and stem borer (Tecla
R o d e n ts
M onke ys
S q u i rr e ls
Squirrels eat the ripe pineapple in the field. Mechanical traps can
Wi ld b oa r a n d p or c u p in es
Pineapple 109
B i r ds
mechanical trappings.
occurs when the suckers are not dried properly and are tightly
black rot also causes butt rot. Occurrence of black rot is quite
soft. Gradually, the fruit rots and emits a foul smell. Avoiding
injury to the fruit during harvesting and transit will prevent the
brown. The central whorl of leaves when affected will come out
with a gentle pull. The basal portion of the leaves shows signs of
M a n agemen t
preparations.
soaked areas first develop on the leaves and gradually enlarge. The
Y e l l ow s p o t Yellow spot disease affects both plants and fruits and is caused by
this disease.
Man agem en t
F o l l ow i ng p r e p ar a t i ons a r e u s e d f or c on t r o l
• Dilute one litre of cow urine in ten litres of water and wet
intervals.
• 12.5 kg of fresh cow dung and 12.5 litres of cow urine are
Pineapple 111
allowed to ferment for a week. Occasionally it is stirred
@ 200–250 l/ha.
Neem oi l s p r a y
Neem s e e d k ern e l ex tr a c t (N S KE )
Ch i li gar li c s ou p
T o ba c c o t e a
Her ba l m ix t ur e s pr a y
lime powder, 500 gm datura leaves and 500 gm pods and seeds of
Cow d u ng s pr a y
flowering takes place from February to April and the fruit is ready
both ends.
Drying
After harvesting, the pineapple fruits can be kept in the shade for
a short duration.
Gra d ing
Pa ckaging a n d t r ans p or t a t i on
baskets are used for packing pineapple both at the farm as well as
during transportation.
S t or age god o w n t r e a t m en t
respiration.
S t or age p e s ts
godown.
Pineapple 113
S t or age p e s t m an agem en t
S p e c i fi c a gr o c li m a t i c r e q u irem en t s
growing the fruit. The area should not, however, be too shaded, as
of weed can markedly affect the quality of the fruit. Pineapple also
for several years. His total cultivated area is a little over 1.00 ha.
garden. His annual income from selling the fruit and suckers is
Pineapple 115
OR GANIC INPUT S
This chapter outlines various inputs for nutrient, pest and disease management commonly used in
the organic farming of crops. The method of preparation and application is briefly described. For
more detailed information, please consult the companion FAO publication, Current State of
Me t h od b y w h i ch T V i s S e e d t r e a t m en t
us e d
The seed has to be washed first to get rid of any chemical
mixed with starch to make a sticky paste. The seed is mixed with
the paste and then dried in the shade. The dried seed is sown
immediately thereafter.
S e e d li ng t r e a t m en t
brinjal, chili, tomato, cabbage, etc., are immersed in the water for
Nurser y tr e a t m en t
64.8m2 of land.
Mai n f i e ld t r e a tm en t
avoid stress and get their nutrients from the plant surface. These
Nu tr i en t m an agem en t High t em p er a t u r e c om p os t
into it. Some farmers also add thin layers of ash or soil from time
to time.
pathogens often survive inside the pit and get transmitted to the
made differently.
surface and the rest above. The length should be at least 180 cm
of drinking water.
Pr oc e d ur e
jute waste, etc., are thrown into the pit till it forms a 30 cm or 1
cow dung solution. Next, green matter – which can be leaves from
nitrogen fixing trees, manure from cattle or birds, fish waste, oil
seed cake, leaf or skin from fresh vegetables, etc., – and other
approximately 8” or 20 cm.
replicated. When there are four to five layers in the pit, the entire
heap is soaked with water and a final 5–6 cm deep mud layer is
used to plaster all the sides. In this kind of heap, the temperature
that level for 5–7 days. This ensures that all weed seeds germinate
weeds like water hyacinth can also be added but after chopping
their roots. Weed plants can be added before they start flowering.
This type of compost does not need any turning and is usually
Im p or t a n c e of c om p os t ing
soil and also its permeability. The general capacity of the soil to
association with the roots of plants and trees and which play an
as hormones.
Epigeics (worms which are surface living) do not process the soil
I ts im p or t a n c e
when added to clay soil, loosens it and creates passages for the
releases the nutrients slowly and steadily into the system and
yield of crops.
How v ermi c om p os t i s m a d e
B a s i c c h ar a c t e r is t i cs of s u i t a ble s p e c i e s
assimilation rate.
matter.
Ma t er i a ls r e q u ir e d
Ingredients
1. One portion of soil, two portions of raw organic matter
of animals and birds) and three portions of dry straw, husk (straw
50% moisture.
needed for every kilo of semi rotten compost. After four to five
temperate zones and grows in irrigated rice fields. There are six
Mu lt i p li c a t i on of a z ol la
the field.
Azolla can be used in two ways in the paddy field. First, it can
weeds and at the same time act as a feed for ducks and fish when
Cemen t c is t e rns
azospirillum and the location, climate and soil of that site. It has
i) A. Liproferum
ii) A. Brasilense
iii) A. Amazonese
azospirillum is mixed with ten litres of water and the seedlings are
kept in that mixture for a period ranging from ten minutes to half
possible.
mixed with compost. This compost must be mixed with the soil
Ph os p h a t e s o lu bi li s ing PSB are free-living bacteria found in the soil which secrete organic
ba c t e ri a (P S B )
acids in their body – such as tartaric, fumaric and malic acids –
• Bacillus megaterium
• Bacillus polymyxa
• Pseudomonas striata
• Pseudomonas rathonis
Me t h od s of u s ing PS B
land is mixed in the paste. The seed is then dried in the shade
PSB is mixed with ten litres of water and the seedlings are kept in
possible.
soil. It has been seen that after the application of azotobacter, rice
a few. The germination rate and also the crop’s power to resist
Me t h od s f or u s ing a z o t o b a c t er
land is mixed in the paste. The seed is then dried in the shade
azotobacter is mixed with ten litres of water and the seedlings are
Organic inputs 125
kept in that mixture for a period ranging from ten minutes to half
possible.
mixed with compost. This compost must be mixed with the soil
F o li ar s pr a y Man ur e t e a
Ma t er i a l r e q u ir e d
Me t h od s of p r e p ar a t i on
materials are put into a small gunny bag. Now the pitcher is filled
with water upto 20 times the volume of the litter or of the leaves.
A small stone is put into the bag and tied with the string. Then it
is immersed in the water which is then kept in the shade with the
lid in place. The mixture must be stirred twice daily. The liquid
The colour of the manure will be blackish green and it will not
@ 150–200 litres/ha.
20–40 eggs in its host’s eggs. In 3–4 days, the parasitised host’s
in India.
Trich o c a r ds
maintained at 1 : 5.
Me t h od s of u s ing a t r i ch o-c a r d
all over the field. Care is taken to release the parasites either in
should be specified.
insect predator for target pests like the aphid, white fly, mite,
Adult females of target insect pests that are ready for mating emit
remain unmated, and as a result, lay infertile eggs. In this way, the
can be effectively used to trap both males and females since both
in agricultural fields.
Typ es of t r a ps
The funnel trap is one type of trap which is mostly used against
smaller moths, fruit flies, etc. For mass trapping of field crop pests
in 1958.
Organic inputs 129
Bacillus thuringiensis produces toxins which are poisonous to
mostly the lepidopterous larvae. As many as nineteen varieties or
Indian government.
varieties/serotypes.
value. The bacteria are sprayed on the pest. It has harmful effects
effect.
B o t a n i c a ls Neem -ba s e d p r od u c t s
Various parts of the neem tree are used in making commonly used
Neem s e e d k ern e l ex tr a c t (N S KE )
The extract can be stored for a period of one month. The seed
used for preparing the extract should be at least three months old.
When it is less than three or more than eight months old, the
azadirachtin content in the seeds will be low and hence the pest
control properties will also be less effective. The prepared extract
Neem le a f ex tr a c t
solution.
Neem c ake ( d e oi le d ) ex tr a c t
hot water poured over it. The solution should be kept overnight
in a covered container.
Neem oi l
insects.
V a r i ou s p r e p ar a t i ons t o c on t r o l f unga l a n d ba c t e ri a l
d is e ase
control agent and pest repellant. Some 2–3 cloves of garlic should
be crushed and soaked in one litre of water for one or two days.
After straining, the garlic extract should be mixed with soft soap
Pre p ar a t i on of t o ba c c o d e c oc t i on
Cool the decoction after it turns coffee red in colour, and filter
the decoction using a thick cloth. Add soap, dilute the mixture
hectare.
Pre p ar a t i on of c h i li -gar li c s ol u t i on
and keep for four hours. Filter the mixture using a cloth, dilute to
these storage bins are made of earth or sun-dried bricks. They are
tonnes.
it. This sheet is heat-sealed to the basal sheet, and the external
Me t h od b y w h i ch T V i s S e e d t r e a t m en t
us e d
The seed has to be washed first to get rid of any chemical
mixed with starch to make a sticky paste. The seed is mixed with
the paste and then dried in the shade. The dried seed is sown
immediately thereafter.
S e e d li ng t r e a t m en t
brinjal, chili, tomato, cabbage, etc., are immersed in the water for
Nurser y tr e a t m en t
64.8m2 of land.
Mai n f i e ld t r e a tm en t
bigha of land.
T V s pr a y on c r op s
Ten grams of TV culture are mixed in a litre of water and
avoid stress and get their nutrients from the plant surface. These
I ts im p or t a n c e
when added to clay soil, loosens it and creates passages for the
How v ermi c om p os t i s m a d e
1. Site selection
B a s i c c h ar a c t e r is t i cs of s u i t a ble s p e c i e s
matter.
Ma t er i a ls r e q u ir e d
Ingredients
1. One portion of soil, two portions of raw organic matter
50% moisture.
Process
The organic matter is first mixed with water within a pit. The
needed for every kilo of semi rotten compost. After four to five
temperate zones and grows in irrigated rice fields. There are six
the field.
Uses of a z o l la
Azolla can be used in two ways in the paddy field. First, it can
weeds and at the same time act as a feed for ducks and fish when
Cemen t c is t e rns
azospirillum and the location, climate and soil of that site. It has
i) A. Liproferum
ii) A. Brasilense
bigha of land is mixed in it. The seed is then dried in the shade,
azospirillum is mixed with ten litres of water and the seedlings are
kept in that mixture for a period ranging from ten minutes to half
possible.
mixed with compost. This compost must be mixed with the soil
Ph os p h a t e s o lu bi li s ing PSB are free-living bacteria found in the soil which secrete organic
ba c t e ri a (P S B )
acids in their body – such as tartaric, fumaric and malic acids –
• Bacillus megaterium
• Bacillus polymyxa
• Pseudomonas striata
• Pseudomonas rathonis
Me t h od s of u s ing PS B
land is mixed in the paste. The seed is then dried in the shade
PSB is mixed with ten litres of water and the seedlings are kept in
possible.
soil. It has been seen that after the application of azotobacter, rice
a few. The germination rate and also the crop’s power to resist
Me t h od s f or u s ing a z o t o b a c t er
possible.
azotobacter is mixed with ten litres of water and the seedlings are
kept in that mixture for a period ranging from ten minutes to half
possible.
mixed with compost. This compost must be mixed with the soil
F o li ar s pr a y Man ur e t e a
Ma t er i a l r e q u ir e d
Me t h od s of p r e p ar a t i on
materials are put into a small gunny bag. Now the pitcher is filled
with water upto 20 times the volume of the litter or of the leaves.
A small stone is put into the bag and tied with the string. Then it
Organic inputs 141
is immersed in the water which is then kept in the shade with the
lid in place. The mixture must be stirred twice daily. The liquid
The colour of the manure will be blackish green and it will not
@ 150–200 litres/ha.
20–40 eggs in its host’s eggs. In 3–4 days, the parasitised host’s
Trich o c a r ds
maintained at 1 : 5.
Me t h od s of u s ing a t r i ch o-c a r d
all over the field. Care is taken to release the parasites either in
should be specified.
etc.
Pher om on es S ex p h er om on es
Adult females of target insect pests that are ready for mating emit
remain unmated, and as a result, lay infertile eggs. In this way, the
can be effectively used to trap both males and females since both
in agricultural fields.
Typ es of t r a ps
The funnel trap is one type of trap which is mostly used against
smaller moths, fruit flies, etc. For mass trapping of field crop pests
in 1958.
Indian government.
varieties/serotypes.
value. The bacteria are sprayed on the pest. It has harmful effects
effect.
B o t a n i c a ls Neem -ba s e d p r od u c t s
Various parts of the neem tree are used in making commonly used
The extract can be stored for a period of one month. The seed
used for preparing the extract should be at least three months old.
When it is less than three or more than eight months old, the
azadirachtin content in the seeds will be low and hence the pest
control properties will also be less effective. The prepared extract
Neem le a f ex tr a c t
solution.
Neem c ake ( d e oi le d ) ex tr a c t
in a covered container.
Neem oi l
insects.
V a r i ou s p r e p ar a t i ons t o c on t r o l funga l a n d ba c t e ri a l
d is e ase
control agent and pest repellant. Some 2–3 cloves of garlic should
be crushed and soaked in one litre of water for one or two days.
After straining, the garlic extract should be mixed with soft soap
Cool the decoction after it turns coffee red in colour, and filter
the decoction using a thick cloth. Add soap, dilute the mixture
Pre p ar a t i on of c h i li -gar li c s ol u t i on
and keep for four hours. Filter the mixture using a cloth, dilute to
these storage bins are made of earth or sun-dried bricks. They are
tonnes.
it. This sheet is heat-sealed to the basal sheet, and the external